Tag: Nature

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Research

Boost Sleep Quality with Morning Sunlight

A recent study in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that exposure to natural morning sunlight can significantly improve sleep quality. Researchers found that individuals who received sunlight in the morning, even for just 20-30 minutes, experienced better sleep patterns and had a more consistent circadian rhythm. This exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate the body’s internal clock, leading to improved sleep duration and overall sleep quality. The study emphasizes the importance of sunlight, particularly early in the day, for supporting healthy sleep.

Getting morning sunlight can improve sleep quality, study suggests

A new study reveals that exposure to morning sunlight is linked to improved sleep quality later that night, while the total time spent in sunlight has little effect.

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Research

Nature and Mental Health

person showing gray mountain
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

It may come as no surprise that spending time in nature is good for mental health. But if you are interested in how and why exactly nature can help with people’s mental health, see the article below.

“Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Benefits of Nature Exposure – Canadian Psychological Association

How Does Nature Benefit our Mental Health? Exposure to nature enhances mental health, which is defined as a state of well-being in which individuals can cope with the normal stressors of life while maintaining a positive outlook. Nature-based experiences can improve cognitive, psychological, and physical health (Jimenez et al., 2021).

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Research

Nature Walks Decrease Low Mood

person walking between green forest trees
Photo by Luis del Río on Pexels.com

I remember encountering a psychologist while hiking in Iceland and we talked about some of the differences in our conceptions of what leads to people’s suffering. And she said that one of her primary approaches is to send people with mental health challenges into nature. This hot-off-the-press research supports that she was right, especially in terms of decreasing low mood by taking nature walks.

Walking in nature decreases negative feelings among those diagnosed with major depressive disorder

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders investigated the relationship between walking in nature and emotional affect in those with major depressive disorder (MDD). Compared to urban settings, walking in nature successfully lowered levels of negative affect in those diagnosed with MDD.